Defending champions Argentina won a record 16th Copa America title by beating Colombia 1-0 thanks to an extra-time goal from substitute Lautaro Martinez at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on Sunday.
The Copa America final was not without incident(s).
Copa America Final: Argentina vs Colombia – HIGHLIGHTS
Match Starts Late
Even before the start of the match, the game was delayed for more than an hour after thousands of ticketless fans rushed security and tried to force their way into the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Police were able to close the gates and put the stadium on lockdown, with many people stuck outside trying to get inside before kick-off. In the build-up to the match, video circulating on social media showed security scuffling with fans as they ran across the concourses and attempted to breach the gates of the stadium.
Messi Teary-eye After Injury
Lionel Messi appeared to hurt his ankle in the 36th minute after a collision with Santiago Arias and while he got back to his feet after receiving treatment he was clearly hampered for the remainder of the half. Argentina were dealt a blow in the 66th minute when Messi limped off due to an ankle injury. Messi went off and was seen sobbing on the sidelines, with an ice pack on his ankle.
“Messi had to leave because of that ankle problem but finally we were able to give him some joy,” added Angel Di Maria.
Di Maria’s Perfect Goodbye
Angel Di Maria called time on his international career and called the triumph as the perfect dream ending.
The 36-year-old winger had announced in November that he would retire from international duty after the tournament.
“I dreamt it, that’s why I said it was the last Copa America and it ended here. I dreamt that I would reach the final, I dreamt that I would win it, that I would retire like this,” he said.
Fiery Affair
The match had been played in a rather physical manner with flying elbows, sliding tackles and harsh challenges. Things threatened to boil as teams looked for the opening goal in Extra Time. Soon after the scoreline changed, players of the two teams nearly came to blows after Colombian forward Miguel Borja brought down Leandro Paredes irking several Argentine players who charged towards him, pulling on his shirt to show their resentment. Fortunately, the referee intervened quickly to calm down the situation that threatened to spin out of control.
Trophy Brings Joy
Argentina’s title comes on the back of their triumphs at the 2022 World Cup and 2021 Copa America and gives eight-times Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi the perfect sendoff in what is likely his last international tournament.
Messi lifted the trophy with Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi, who is also set to end his international career.
(With inputs from Agencies)
Comments
0 comment